DEFENDING champion Chen Long of China reached the men’s singles final of the Badminton World Championships in style by brushing aside Japan’s Kento Momota 21-9, 21-15 in Jakarta today.
The top seed said Lin Dan’s defeat yesterday had inspired him to turn on the heat against Momota.
“I was mentally and tactically prepared for the match and I played the way I had anticipated. I am not thinking about the title yet. I just want to rest and prepare for the final,” said Chen Long in Jakarta today.
The World No 1 will play either unseeded Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia or second seed Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark for the title tomorrow.
A frustrated Carolina Marin lashed out at the chair umpire after reaching the women’s singles final today.
The top seed Spaniard edged Sung Ji Hyun of South Korea 21-17, 15-21, 21-16 in the semi-final that lasted for 90 minutes. Carolina was down 8-13 in the third game but clawed back by earning 10 straight points before sealing a win.
“I wanted my side of the court to be moped and also wipe my sweat but the chair umpire didn’t allow it during the second game. I didn’t understand the reason for it. I became frustrated,” said Carolina, who will be gunning for her second straight title tomorrow.
“I am happy to reach the final again. It was tough and I was slightly nervous at the beginning. I did not play at my best level but I told myself to keep the shuttle on court and also minimise mistakes.
“I knew Ji Hyun was tired as she had a tough quarter-final match yesterday so I kept the pressure to earn points.”
Carolina will play either Indonesia’s Lindaweni Fanetri or India’s Saina Nehwal, who are due to play later today in the other semi-final, for the women’s title tomorrow.
It will be an all-China final in the mixed doubles tomorrow. Defending champions Zhang Nan-Zhao Yunlei saved three match points in the second game to oust third seeds Ahmad Tontowi-Liliyana Natsir 20-22, 23-21, 21-12 in 92 minutes.
In the other semi-final, fourth seeds Liu Cheng-Bao Yixin upset compatriots and second seeds Xu Chen-Ma Jin 21-13, 15-21, 21-19.